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labyrinth2015"They said: you better hold on to what you got..."
This week, David Cook packed his guitar and his lead guitarist and traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the UN Foundation to raise awareness about the importance of girls' education, for a special episode of IDOL GIVES BACK to be aired on April 21st.
My various thoughts:
01: How fine is he? Seriously.
Cook in English class during a visit to Biruh Tesfa, a United Nations program supported by the UN Foundation. Credit AP Photo/Stuart Ramson/UN Foundation.
02: All around the world, there are more women who wanna have his babies and men who wanna enter into life-partner adoptive parenting with him. Check the evidence of Cookly parenting skill (most recently, with 7 year old Mekdes, which makes me legitimately teary):
More photographic evidence of Davely awesomeness (with bonus Neal) here.
03: Girls' education in the developing world is a huge issue. Elizabeth Gore, the Executive Director of global partnerships and Nothing But Nets for the United Nations Foundation, gives the statistics: 70% of the world’s out-of-school youth are girls. “That shocks us every day.” And staying in school can be the key to their future.
It's awesome that Dave and Neal are out there raising awareness for this immensely important cause, and genuinely forming a bond with the girls - chatting, singing, dancing (like a dork). Dave sounded truly grateful and excited to be there:
“This has been one of the most enlightening experiences I’ve been able to be a part of...That’s what’s great about this initiative that the UN Foundation put together, it gives these girls a chance. Statistically, only 20% of the girls in this country have any sense of education. Seeing that, and realizing how much of a widespread problem that is…the millennial generation has a massive opportunity for change.” He'd also said, "(T)he fact that that’s not a right for these girls, but in a lot of cases a privilege…that was a major...factor for me. That’s why I wanted to get involved."
Somewhat less awesome was when a reporter called into question his suggestion that children shared common experiences the world over.
Dave had said this: “I got a chance down here to play games with some of these girls. You watch a girl be a girl, you watch a child be a child, and that’s universal. A child being a child in Ethiopia is exactly the same as a child being a child in America. It’s easy to assume that the things that you surround yourself with and the things that surround you are reality. And while that may be your reality, it might not be somebody else’s. There are common themes, there are common threads. It’s been a huge learning experience for me to see these girls smile and laugh. It’s not that hard to help them, it’s not that hard to empathize, it’s not that hard to want to help.”
The reporter said she was "“taken aback” by David’s answer. The massive problems in sub-Saharan Africa, including genital mutilation for girls, makes African girls’ problems completely different from girls in the US. “They really aren’t like American kids, there really isn’t that common ground.” The reporter wanted to know why women were so devalued in this culture.
WELL. Dave clarified that he wasn't suggesting that the struggles are the same, but that, inherently, "a child is a child is a child no matter where you are". And I had thought that was clear from his answer, actually. Of course Dave doesn't understand and can't comment on why women are devalued in Ethiopian culture; devaluing of women in any culture is so inherently wrong it's incomprehensible.
I am irked by the reporter's implication that Dave was being condescending (or stupid). I don't even think he was being simplistic - in my view, he was right to emphasize the common experiences of girls the world over and the rights they should have: the right to education, to equal treatment and value. I think he should be commended for focusing on the commonality of experience, rather than called on it. Conversely, how useful to this dialogue is it to emphasize the otherness of the Ethiopian girls, how Americans can't hope to understand them?
Ah, I am likely being over-sensitive about this. I do some work with women's groups here on the Island, and would be the first person to admit to the widespread nature of a particular kind of sneering, condescending, faux-supportive male approach to women's rights. But I absolutely believe boys and men need to be engaged and heard on women's issues, and to the extent that Dave's views were being subtly discounted (subtext being: by virtue of his male celebrity status), that doesn't please me. All right, end of overly sensitive rant.
04: I needed this reminder of all that's good about the fecking cheesy manufactured American Idol franchise (IDOL GIVES BACK ♥), after the fiasco of this week's results show.
SEASON NINE, I AM HEARTILY DISPLEASED WITH YOU. I am watching these performances on repeat. AND TRYING NOT TO THROW SOMETHING.
All right, this aspect of Season Nine pleased me:
And I am enclosing a gratuitous additional vid, because acoustic "Living on a Prayer" pleases me today, too. See - a hardscrabble life, love despite hardship - I believe these are universal themes that form a common language across the world.
[/stupid rant that only matters to me]
This week, David Cook packed his guitar and his lead guitarist and traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the UN Foundation to raise awareness about the importance of girls' education, for a special episode of IDOL GIVES BACK to be aired on April 21st.
My various thoughts:
01: How fine is he? Seriously.
Cook in English class during a visit to Biruh Tesfa, a United Nations program supported by the UN Foundation. Credit AP Photo/Stuart Ramson/UN Foundation.
02: All around the world, there are more women who wanna have his babies and men who wanna enter into life-partner adoptive parenting with him. Check the evidence of Cookly parenting skill (most recently, with 7 year old Mekdes, which makes me legitimately teary):
More photographic evidence of Davely awesomeness (with bonus Neal) here.
03: Girls' education in the developing world is a huge issue. Elizabeth Gore, the Executive Director of global partnerships and Nothing But Nets for the United Nations Foundation, gives the statistics: 70% of the world’s out-of-school youth are girls. “That shocks us every day.” And staying in school can be the key to their future.
It's awesome that Dave and Neal are out there raising awareness for this immensely important cause, and genuinely forming a bond with the girls - chatting, singing, dancing (like a dork). Dave sounded truly grateful and excited to be there:
“This has been one of the most enlightening experiences I’ve been able to be a part of...That’s what’s great about this initiative that the UN Foundation put together, it gives these girls a chance. Statistically, only 20% of the girls in this country have any sense of education. Seeing that, and realizing how much of a widespread problem that is…the millennial generation has a massive opportunity for change.” He'd also said, "(T)he fact that that’s not a right for these girls, but in a lot of cases a privilege…that was a major...factor for me. That’s why I wanted to get involved."
Somewhat less awesome was when a reporter called into question his suggestion that children shared common experiences the world over.
Dave had said this: “I got a chance down here to play games with some of these girls. You watch a girl be a girl, you watch a child be a child, and that’s universal. A child being a child in Ethiopia is exactly the same as a child being a child in America. It’s easy to assume that the things that you surround yourself with and the things that surround you are reality. And while that may be your reality, it might not be somebody else’s. There are common themes, there are common threads. It’s been a huge learning experience for me to see these girls smile and laugh. It’s not that hard to help them, it’s not that hard to empathize, it’s not that hard to want to help.”
The reporter said she was "“taken aback” by David’s answer. The massive problems in sub-Saharan Africa, including genital mutilation for girls, makes African girls’ problems completely different from girls in the US. “They really aren’t like American kids, there really isn’t that common ground.” The reporter wanted to know why women were so devalued in this culture.
WELL. Dave clarified that he wasn't suggesting that the struggles are the same, but that, inherently, "a child is a child is a child no matter where you are". And I had thought that was clear from his answer, actually. Of course Dave doesn't understand and can't comment on why women are devalued in Ethiopian culture; devaluing of women in any culture is so inherently wrong it's incomprehensible.
I am irked by the reporter's implication that Dave was being condescending (or stupid). I don't even think he was being simplistic - in my view, he was right to emphasize the common experiences of girls the world over and the rights they should have: the right to education, to equal treatment and value. I think he should be commended for focusing on the commonality of experience, rather than called on it. Conversely, how useful to this dialogue is it to emphasize the otherness of the Ethiopian girls, how Americans can't hope to understand them?
Ah, I am likely being over-sensitive about this. I do some work with women's groups here on the Island, and would be the first person to admit to the widespread nature of a particular kind of sneering, condescending, faux-supportive male approach to women's rights. But I absolutely believe boys and men need to be engaged and heard on women's issues, and to the extent that Dave's views were being subtly discounted (subtext being: by virtue of his male celebrity status), that doesn't please me. All right, end of overly sensitive rant.
04: I needed this reminder of all that's good about the fecking cheesy manufactured American Idol franchise (IDOL GIVES BACK ♥), after the fiasco of this week's results show.
SEASON NINE, I AM HEARTILY DISPLEASED WITH YOU. I am watching these performances on repeat. AND TRYING NOT TO THROW SOMETHING.
All right, this aspect of Season Nine pleased me:
And I am enclosing a gratuitous additional vid, because acoustic "Living on a Prayer" pleases me today, too. See - a hardscrabble life, love despite hardship - I believe these are universal themes that form a common language across the world.
[/stupid rant that only matters to me]
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no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 05:27 pm (UTC)/rant over
I thought of you when Didi left! I think she should have made it to at least Top 6, but I can see why she was voted off. Sadly, I think she sabotaged herself, by starting out so strong with Terrified, and then never really living up to that promise. :/
But who is voting for Tim? Or Katie? Or Andrew? Seriously? I mean, Tim I sort of get in a 'so horrible he's entertaining' way, but the rest? I don't get it.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 05:45 pm (UTC)And, I actually think education is part of the solution to particular gender-based atrocities like genital mutilation (and child brides and prostitution). One might argue that very educated persons (largely men) perpetuate this crime - but if the girls themselves are empowered with the knowledge and self-belief to stand up for themselves, to know they have value, that is a HUGE step towards fixing the problem. 40 years ago many women of the Island were uneducated, unemancipated teenage mothers, wives and concubines. It was education that brought us to where we are today.
Shorter me: Dave was right, dammit! Agenda Girl should totally just back off already.
DIDIIIIIII. I don't even wanna talk about it. *sobs*
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 06:03 pm (UTC)I'm guessing that Agenda Girl has met far too many mansplainers, and now automatically assumes all men are the same. Shame on her.
*hugs* There, there. With a little luck Didi will have a career like Brooke White's, and that's not such a bad thing.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 06:10 pm (UTC)You're likely right, bb - I think we've seen this happen, no? SIGH. And bless Dave for not calling her on the agenda thing, which he could have. He is a good person. ♥
*clings* I know, I know. I AM JUST PISSY. As you say, who the feck is voting for those other guys???
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 06:24 pm (UTC)I'm still hurting over losing Lilly and Katelyn, so I know exactly how you're feeling. Who on earth is voting for Robot Pageant Girl over all these interesting, real women with actual personalities and artistic identities? HRMPF.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-02 07:59 am (UTC)I was pissed about Lilly, too, especially. I hate Robot Pageant Girl SO MUCH.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 05:32 pm (UTC)Oh and did you see THIS?
BOOM. DEAD.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 05:48 pm (UTC)(Although I want one of them to diplomatically correct the misspelling of "letter" on the board.)
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 05:52 pm (UTC)BOOM. DEAD.
MY OVARIES CANNOT HANDLE HIM.
(BB, why are you up at 2am?)
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 05:58 pm (UTC)Good Friday is a public holiday on the Island, so I don't have to get up for work! But I will indeed head off to bed soon. LY, hon ♥
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 05:45 pm (UTC)I adore seeing him with children. I am done having kids and I really hated being preggers but I would totes have his baby. He is going to be an amazing father and seems to have so much respect for women (why he bangs skank ho's I will never understand though). I love what he said about strong women and the matriarchs of families at the beginning of the interview.
I basically agree with everything you said about that reporter. Very biased with an agenda. I thought he handled himself very well with what appeared to be an attack on him.
I am sparing myself from watching season 9 and from the sounds of things, its a good thing I am.
/end rambly comment. :)
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 05:56 pm (UTC)Re: Cook's type - my theory, mentioned elsewhere, is that men, even smart, sensitive men who respect strong women, tend to think with their dicks. I'm not about to begrudge the boy his fun; I just hope he's smart enough to play safely, and when he's ready to look longer term, that he'll seek out a partner who will be good for him and his equal in all ways that matter.
SEASON NINE, YOU FAIL ON SO MANY LEVELS. AUGH.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 06:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 06:07 pm (UTC)IT HELPS NO ONE. But if you have an agenda, I suppose you keep pushing it regardless of how constructive you're being.
Ah, Dave. He did stay calm and on point, didn't he? And you're so right: he is a good person. ♥
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 06:34 pm (UTC)I am irked by the reporter's implication that Dave was being condescending (or stupid). I don't even think he was being simplistic - in my view, he was right to emphasize the common experiences of girls the world over and the rights they should have: the right to education, to equal treatment and value. I think he should be commended for focusing on the commonality of experience, rather than called on it. Conversely, how useful to this dialogue is it to emphasize the otherness of the Ethiopian girls, how Americans can't hope to understand them?
THIS SO FUCKING MUCH. THANK YOU.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-02 12:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 06:47 pm (UTC)<3___<3
no subject
Date: 2010-04-02 12:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 07:06 pm (UTC)No, really. Where did she study Journalism? THAT WASN'T COOL, AND IT WASN'T PROFESSIONAL.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-02 12:19 am (UTC)It irked me, and today I'm still displeased.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 07:23 pm (UTC)IGB generally fills me with dread. Yes, it's dripping with paternalism and Western Majority Culture pointing and sighing at "less fortunate" brown skinned folks (grr!), but at least it's raising money and building awareness. And I still watch it.
But I give Dave major kudos for stepping through this minefield so deftly -- especially the comments by the reporter. And if nothing else, a few more folks will be made aware of the horrors of female genital mutilation, which I kinda doubt Seacrest would mention on the Idol state.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-02 12:30 am (UTC)But IGB is trying its level best, and trying to use its cheesy whitebread privilege for good, and that is amazing and should be applauded. From rooftops.
As should sweet Dave. So he's a privileged white male - at least he's out there, immersing himself in the problems, genuinely trying to make a difference. Anyone who devalues his contributions is cutting off their nose to spite their face.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-01 10:16 pm (UTC)The thing about David and you can see it in every picture is that he shows respect. When you see him in the classroom and playing with the children you can see him paying attention cause that's just what he does. He focuses. He also has been saying that he has gained enormously from the experience so he is not condescending with a "bringing help to the poor" attitude but on the contrary says they have given something to him. I hope the UN realise the gem he is and uses him as an ambassador again.
And yes your rant is well founded but David did forensic debate at school so he seems able to field awkward questions with charm and skill. So bring it on. He can handle it.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-02 12:56 am (UTC)And I agree that Dave's smart and savvy enough to handle himself. But it doesn't prevent me from feeling sensitive on his behalf :)
no subject
Date: 2010-04-02 12:23 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-02 12:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-02 08:01 am (UTC)I know, I love her little face so much <33333
no subject
Date: 2010-04-03 06:13 pm (UTC)That is all.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-04 01:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-04 06:22 am (UTC)It's kinda hard not to be protective, I guess. Especially of someone as awesome as our Cookie. :D
P.S. I'm only honest, not sweet. *winks*
no subject
Date: 2010-04-04 07:32 am (UTC)